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. 2022 Feb 22;113(1):e2022002.
doi: 10.23749/mdl.v113i1.12303.

Computed Tomography Findings in Progressive Massive Fibrosis: Analyses of 90 Cases

Gülden Sarı  1 , Atila Gökçek  2 , Adem Koyuncu  3 , Cebrail Şimşek  4
Affiliations

Computed Tomography Findings in Progressive Massive Fibrosis: Analyses of 90 Cases

Gülden Sarı et al. Med Lav. .

Abstract

Purpose: Radiological identification of lung masses in patients with pneumoconiosis is difficult. The aim of the study is to characterize Computed Tomography (CT) findings of Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF).

Methods: The data of pneumoconiosis patients, who were diagnosed with PMF between 2014-2019 in a tertiary hospital, were collected. Demographic data, work-related data, Pulmonary Function Test results and radiological imaging results were gathered. Separate evaluations were made for the right and left lungs, and the CT findings and measurement results were recorded.

Results: In 90% of our cases, PMF lesions were bilaterally located. Eighty-eight point five percent of the unilateral lesions were located in the upper lobe of the right lung. Enlarged lymph nodes were found in 83.3% and calcification was found in the lymph nodes in 63% of the cases. Band structures extending between the PMF lesion and the adjacent pleura were observed in 86% of the cases, and invagination in the lung parenchyma adjacent to the PMF was observed in 80% of the cases.

Conclusion: In general, our findings were consistent with the radiologically defined PMF. In addition, pleural findings, which are not frequently studied in the literature except for asbestosis, were also described in the study.

Methods: The data of pneumoconiosis patients, who were diagnosed with PMF between 2014-2019 in a tertiary hospital, were collected. Demographic data, work-related data, PFT results and radiological imaging results were noted. Separate evaluations were made for the right and left lungs, and the CT findings and measurement results were recorded.

Results: In 90% of our cases, PMF lesions were bilaterally located. 88.8% of the unilateral lesions were located in the upper lobe of the right lung. Enlarged lymph nodes were found in 83.3% and calcification was found in the lymph nodes in 63% of the cases. Band structures extending between the PMF lesion and the adjacent pleura were observed in 86% of the cases, and invagination in the lung parenchyma adjacent to the PMF was observed in 80% of the cases.

Conclusion: In general, our findings were consistent with the radiologically defined PMF. In addition, pleural findings, which are not frequently studied in the literature except asbestosis, were also described in the study.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
42 years old man who has done sandblasting on glass for 20 years diagnosed as PMF. A-B. Chest HRCT image shows irregularly shape with punctate calcification PMF lesion in the right upper lobe. Multiple small nodules indicative of silicosis are also seen in lung tissue bilaterally. Thick band appearance extending from the adjacent pleura to the PMF, and paracicatricial emphysematous lung tissue between the pleura and the PMF lesion was seen.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
54 years old man who worked as a miner in a lead mine for 22 years diagnosed PMF. A-B. Chest HRCT image shows bilaterally located, discoid shaped in right upper lobe and irregular shaped in left upper lobe with punctate calcification PMF lesions. Multiple small nodules indicative of silicosis are also seen in surrounding lung tissue. Thick band appearance extending from the adjacent pleura to the PMF, and paracicatricial emphysematous lung tissue between the pleura and the PMF lesion was seen.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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